New Scientist changed the UK’s freedom of information laws in 2025

At the beginning of 2025, a simple email I sent inadvertently set a legal precedent for the UK government’s interaction with AI chatbots. It all started when I came across an interview with the then-UK tech secretary Peter Kyle in Politics Home, where he mentioned conversing with ChatGPT, the AI chatbot. This sparked my curiosity, leading me to wonder if I could obtain his chat history through Freedom of Information (FOI) laws.

After some back and forth, the Department for Science, Industry and Technology (DSIT) provided me with a selection of Kyle’s conversations with the chatbot, which formed the basis of our exclusive story. The release of these chat interactions took many by surprise, with experts and observers expressing astonishment at the transparency shown by the government.

This groundbreaking revelation garnered international attention, prompting researchers from various countries to reach out for guidance on crafting their own FOI requests. While some attempts were unsuccessful due to legal exceptions, the interest in obtaining AI chatbot conversations highlighted the importance of transparency in government AI use.

Following the publication of the story, I noticed a shift in the UK government’s approach to FOI requests, particularly regarding AI usage. A subsequent request I made for DSIT’s response to the article was rejected as vexatious, indicating a newfound caution around the subject.

The significance of this release lies in the broader context of governments increasingly adopting AI technologies for efficiency gains. While AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline processes, it is crucial to maintain transparency and oversight to ensure responsible use and mitigate potential risks.